fix

fix
/ fiks/
•
v. [tr.]
1. [tr.]
fasten (something) securely in a particular place or position:
fix the clamp on a railthe upper jaw of an amphibian is firmly fixed to the skull. ∎ fig.
lodge or implant (an idea, image, or memory) firmly in a person's mind:
he turned back to fix the scene in his mind.2. (fix something on/upon)
direct one's eyes, attention, or mind steadily or unwaveringly toward:
I fixed my attention on the tower. ∎ [intr.] (fix on/upon)
(of a person's eyes, attention, or mind) be directed steadily or unwaveringly toward:
her gaze fixed on Jess. ∎
attract and hold (a person's attention or gaze):
their taut relationship fixes your attention. ∎ (fix someone with)
look at someone unwaveringly:
she fixed her nephew with an unwavering stare.3.
mend; repair:
you should fix that shelf. ∎ (fix something up)
do the necessary work to improve or adapt something:
we want to fix up the house before we sell it. ∎
make arrangements for (something); organize:
he's sent her on ahead to fix things upI've fixed it for you to see him on Thursday. ∎ inf.
restore order or tidiness to (something, esp. one's hair, clothes, or makeup):
Laura was fixing her hair. ∎ inf.
prepare or arrange for the provision of (food or drink):
they were fixing him breakfastRuth fixed herself a cold drink. ∎ (fix someone up) inf.
arrange for someone to have something; provide someone with something:
I'll fix you up with a room. ∎ (fix someone up) inf.
arrange for someone to meet or go out with someone in order to help them establish a romantic relationship.
∎ (be fixing to do something) inf.
be intending or planning to do something:
you're fixing to get into trouble.4.
decide or settle on (a specific price, date, course of action, etc.):
no date has yet been fixed for a hearingthe rent will be fixed at $600 a month [intr.]
their thinking then seemed fixed on conventional projects. ∎
discover the exact location of (something) by using radar or visual bearings or astronomical observation:
he fixed his position. ∎
settle the form of (a language).
∎
assign or determine (a person's liability or responsibility) for legal purposes:
there are no facts that fix the defendant with liability.5.
make (something) permanent or static in nature:
the rate of interest is fixed for the life of the loan. ∎
make (a dye, photographic image, or drawing) permanent.
∎ Biol.
preserve or stabilize (a specimen) with a chemical substance prior to microscopy or other examination:
specimens were fixed in buffered formalin. ∎
(of a plant or microorganism) assimilate (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) by forming a nongaseous compound:
lupines fix gaseous nitrogen in their root nodules.6.inf.
influence the outcome of (something, esp. a race, contest, or election) by illegal or underhanded means:
the foundation denies fixing races. ∎
put (an enemy or rival) out of action, esp. by killing them:
don't you tell nobody, or I'll fix you good!7.inf. [intr.]
take an injection of a narcotic drug.
8.
castrate or spay (an animal); neuter.
•
n.
1. [in sing.] inf.
a difficult or awkward situation from which it is hard to extricate oneself; a predicament:
how on earth did you get into such a fix?2.inf.
a dose of a narcotic drug to which one is addicted:
he hadn't had his fix. ∎ fig.
a thing or activity that gives a person a feeling of euphoria or pleasure and that it is difficult to do without:
that rush of adrenaline that is the fix of the professional newsman.3. inf.
a solution to a problem, esp. one that is hastily devised or makeshift:
representatives trying to find cheap fixes to meet their obligations.See also quick fix.
4.
a position determined by visual or radio bearings or astronomical observations.
5. [in sing.] inf.
a dishonest or underhanded arrangement:
obviously, his appointment was a fix.PHRASES:get a fix on
determine the position of (something) by visual or radio bearings or astronomical observation.
∎ inf.
assess or determine the nature or facts of; obtain a clear understanding of:
it is hard to get a fix on their ages.DERIVATIVES:fix·a·ble
/ ˈfiksəbəl/ adj.

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fix

fix fix someone's wagon in the US, bring about someone's downfall, spoil someone's chances of success.get a fix on assess or determine the nature or facts of; obtain a clear understanding of. From the action of determining the position of an aircraft, ship, or body of troops by visual or radio bearings or astronomical observation.

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